Biography

Dr. Richard K. Fitzgerald is currently the Director of Music and Organist of Saint Joseph Cathedral in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to this appointment, he served the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC as the Assistant Director of Music (2003-2007) and the Associate Director of Music (2013-1014) where his playing could be heard during internationally televised broadcasts.

On October 1st, 2013 Dr. Fitzgerald won first prize in the 2nd Annual Competition in Organ Improvisation sponsored by the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. In addition to performing improvisations, Dr. Fitzgerald has taught organ improvisation at the Peabody Conservatory and has presented workshops on the subject to professional organizations including the Conference of Roman Catholic Cathedral Musicians, as well as several chapters of the American Guild of Organists. For his doctoral dissertation, Dr. Fitzgerald formulated a method for organ improvisation pedagogy that he continues to present as a basis for his teaching.

Dr. Fitzgerald received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Organ Performance from the Peabody Conservatory of Music, Baltimore, Maryland where he was awarded a full scholarship as a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Music Theory. He earned the Master of Music degree in Organ Performance from the Peabody Conservatory and the Bachelor of Music degree in Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey.

An experienced concert organist, Dr. Fitzgerald has made appearances on the nationally syndicated radio program Pipedreams, including a performance of Leo Sowerby's Toccata (program 1446, 'With Praise and Thanksgiving').

Richard lives in Galloway, Ohio with his wife, Rebecca. They are expecting a son on September 5, 2018. Richard enjoys league bowling and aspires to become a member of the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA).